My deck frame was built using ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) pressure treated wood, is it compatible with AridDek aluminum decking boards?
Yes, AridDek was designed to be compatible with ACQ treated lumber and is produced with a barrier coating (a special powder-coat paint applied at the mill) to prevent ACQ contact with the bare aluminum. As a matter of fact, AridDek has been used with ACQ since this lumber treatment was introduced a few years ago and used on some of the country’s most prestigious boat dock systems. www.WahooDocks.com
Other building products that are not compatible with ACQ recommend simply adding a felt paper or PVC barrier (sheets or strips) to prevent contact with ACQ treated lumber. The point here is that it is not difficult to use other standard metal components such as uncoated aluminum or uncoated steel while ACQ is still the standard pressure treatment for lumber.
Decking fastener manufacturers understand the issues with ACQ and have development stainless steel, coated steel and electroplated screw fasteners specifically for use with ACQ.
ACQ will soon be replaced with another treatment that is friendly to standard building materials such a aluminum, steel and steel coatings. There are mills and manufacturers that already produce and sell non-ACQ treated lumber. More can be read about these new treatments and products in web articles on the same subject.
